NM senator seeks AG's opinion on Skandera actions

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico state senator is asking for an attorney general's opinion on the legality of actions taken by Gov. Susana Martinez's embattled public education secretary.

Democratic Sen. Linda Lopez of Albuquerque made the request Wednesday after the Legislature adjourned its 2013 session without voting on whether to confirm the appointment of Hanna Skandera.

Lopez's letter asks the attorney general to rule on two issues that were raised during confirmation hearings this year, including whether it was legal for a Farmington charter school to use tax dollars to hire a for-profit company to run an online school.

Skandera is able to continue in her job without being confirmed but she is the only cabinet-level agency leader in the Martinez administration who hasn't been endorsed by senators.

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